Newly accredited public libraries to be honored in Capitol rotunda

PIERRE, S.D. — Eight South Dakota public libraries have been accredited by the State Library in 2016. They will be honored in front of lawmakers, library colleagues and community members at the Capitol rotunda Jan. 20, at 3:30 pm CST. This event is held in conjunction with the annual South Dakota Library Association Library Legislative Day.

Accredited libraries demonstrate that they meet important benchmarks for providing high quality library services to their communities. Public libraries are accredited at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced or Exemplary. Libraries are evaluated in the following areas, as outlined in South Dakota Public Library Standards: governance, administration, access, collections and resources, funding, staffing, technology and public relations.

The following libraries have been accredited:

Brookings Public Library — Exemplary

Watertown Regional Library — Exemplary

Dell Rapids Carnegie Public Library — Enhanced

Edgemont Public Library — Enhanced

Madison Public Library — Enhanced

Hill City Community Library — Essential

Scotland Community Library — Essential

Potter County Free Public Library (Gettysburg) — Essential

Detailed requirements for each level of tiered accreditation, as well as a complete list of all currently accredited libraries, are available on the South Dakota State Library's website at library.sd.gov.